Jack374 Posted January 9, 2018 Author Share Posted January 9, 2018 Despite appearances, no I’m not dismantling or breaking up the layout to dispose of it. Quite the opposite. Recent running 'sessions' (if I can call them that) have highlighted the fact that using dowels to operate points is fine, if they are sprung. Add in the fact I have to manually change the vee polarity via a switch, and I’d had enough. After a few minutes searching on eBay, some DCC Concepts Cobalt IP Digital point motors were found, and for a very reasonable price. I will operate these from my PowerCab handset, using macros to allocate each siding an accessory macro. To install them, the baseboards have to be deepened, and so I’ve stripped all the outer baseboard 'framing', which was shoddy and inefficient to say the least, so the new deeper framing will save weight and look better. I’ve also decided to utilise 6 inches from the fiddle yard board as an extension of the scenic section, which will feature a full relief bridge, and simply two straight sections of track to extend the siding space on the rearmost line. Other changes will take place too, which I’ll detail later. I’ll also be able to provide photos once I’ve made the new framing, which will add some substance to all the waffle above! Hopefully I’ll have more progress to show soon, Jack. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jack374 Posted January 23, 2018 Author Share Posted January 23, 2018 Once again, despite the look of things, this is progress! Whilst on top it may look like I’ve stripped the scenic work (due in part to the board falling and flattening the buffer stops), underneath it’s a different story... I’ve added a DCC bus made from copper wire, which all the droppers and the new Cobalts have been wired to. Prior to this, the cobalts were installed and each individually programmed, which proved easier than I thought and took around 10 minutes each to fit and program! The macros took about 30 seconds each to create, and now each line has its own number, with the route originating from the 3 way point. Unless the shed route is picked, the point at the rear of the layout is programmed to always be set straight, so the shed line can be run independent of the other 3. One of the tie bars for the 3 way point had become broken (copper separated from the bar), so a new one was soldered in. This was longer than the previous one because the two tie bars are very close together, meaning I’ve had to relocate one Cobalt about 2 inches to the side, and use a lengthened tie bar. The hole for this will be hidden under a point lever platform. I’ve already started initial work to replace the buffers, which will see the parts of the old 3 make 2 new ones, with a third to be made in a different style to add variety...more on this later. Thanks, Jack. 4 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jack374 Posted February 2, 2018 Author Share Posted February 2, 2018 Evening... At last, I have some progress to show. The buffer stops have been completed, these being of one rail, two rail and rail/plate construction, with differing contact surfaces to add variety. They are all loosely based on prototypes, with the most lightweight design based on one at Mallaig, and the other two being of standard contruction with two examples on view at Farington Jn. Work on new hard standing has been started too, this being made of mounting card, which will eventually all be topped with paper to hide any gaps. The reason for me redoing this is because the fuelling point base kept catching any locos or wagons on the fuel line, as it had warped. Also a class 66 would block the walkway if stood on the fuelling lines, so the walkway has been moved up by half an inch, and it joins with the car park nearer to the shed, as I doubt a path would cross a 3 way point! And finally, I’m redoing the inspection pit. It had been covered in brown paint from the track and wasn’t long enough to fit a class 66 on, but luckily I had half a pack left so a new one has been built, and I’m just waiting for the arrival of the lighting before I fit it. More soon hopefully! Jack. 7 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jack374 Posted March 20, 2018 Author Share Posted March 20, 2018 So then, a long overdue update! For once, despite my lack of updates, lots has been happening. To start, the lengthened inspection pit has been constructed and lighting has been added by attaching some LED strip to the inside of the pits. After painting over them and the pit with white spray, the LEDs are suitably dimmed, which has been aided with a couple of resistors... And the hard standing has now been finished. It has been built up with mounting card of various textures and thicknesses before topping with paper or thin card. The places where the walkway crosses the tracks have been sandwiched between two rails as per prototype photos: A start has been made on the small ground frame which will (obviously not in reality) control the 3 nearest points, with the one closest to the shed being controlled from a small lever next to it: The additional scenic section on the fiddleyard board has been added by gluing some cork sandwiched cardboard onto the board, followed by track. The back scenes have been fashioned from wood to match the main scenic board, and there will be a bridge to make the scenic break, albeit a full relief one this time. I’ve now wired it up to a two pin connector to link to the scenic board, but I’ve just realised I’ll have to add in the cassette terminals to the choccy block. The next job will be to start painting the concrete on the scenic board before sprucing up the ballast and making the shed. I’ll paint, ballast and add hard standing to the second board to get it to the stage the scenic board is at currently. Keep modelling! Jack. 4 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jack374 Posted March 30, 2018 Author Share Posted March 30, 2018 So a small update this afternoon. Work on the scenics for the second board can now start as I’ve added some alignment dowels to keep the rails in the right position and also a small piece of mounting card to keep the ballast neat on the join. And the ballasting is finished (again!), hopefully for the last time. I used the method of painting on the glue, then sprinkling on ballast then vacuuming, so now the track can be weathered after I’ve painted the hard standing. Thanks, Jack. 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
cal.n Posted April 6, 2018 Share Posted April 6, 2018 (edited) Great work. Where are the buffer stops from? I do like the look of the lighter LMS/BR one. I do have plans for a possible DRS themed small layout. Cal Edited April 6, 2018 by cal.n Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jack374 Posted April 7, 2018 Author Share Posted April 7, 2018 Great work. Where are the buffer stops from? I do like the look of the lighter LMS/BR one. I do have plans for a possible DRS themed small layout. Cal Cheers Cal...the buffer stops are entirely scratch built from rail offcuts and plasticard/tea stirrers, and they’re based loosely on prototype photos. I drew out a rough plan of the 3 rail plated version (nearest the front edge) on some old mounting card to get the angles and dimensions right. I know PH Designs do an etch for this type if you wanted a more accurate model. I've a little more progress to report because the hard standing has now been painted. It will be weathered in due course, but it’s toned down the board quite a lot...there’s plenty of grey on there. I might add some bushes or similar and plenty of details to add interest... The second board has received the first strip of card for the path, but I’ll post some photos when I’ve added more. I’ll start looking at the bridge soon too. Thanks, Jack. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
cal.n Posted April 7, 2018 Share Posted April 7, 2018 Cheers Cal...the buffer stops are entirely scratch built from rail offcuts and plasticard/tea stirrers, and they’re based loosely on prototype photos. I drew out a rough plan of the 3 rail plated version (nearest the front edge) on some old mounting card to get the angles and dimensions right. I know PH Designs do an etch for this type if you wanted a more accurate model. Well done. They look very nice Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jack374 Posted May 13, 2018 Author Share Posted May 13, 2018 I feel an update is in order! I’m still doing bits and bobs when I can on the layout, which has seen the retaining wall added to the main board (and I’ve stupidly not taken a picture), as well as work in bringing the second board up to the stage of the first. On the second board, some cassettes have been made from half-PVC downpipe and Peco code 100 track. A piece of phosphor bronze pickup strip was added to each rail, which sits over a hole in the 'U' tube and makes contact with a piece of copper wire protruding through some wooden dowel (actually a chop stick!). I’ve yet to test how effective this is, but in theory it should work. Hopefully the photos show it better: And the extra wiring needed... Followed by some shots of the progress. The paths have been added and painted, and now it’s ready for ballasting. The embossed brick sheet is placed in position next to a wooden removeable backscene, which can be removed to allow transport of both boards together, one on top of the other. A footbridge is in the progress of being scratch built to hide the scenic break, but the wooden structure for it can be seen... And a shot with recently finished 57007, showing a crossing that’s just been painted: More soon! Jack. 3 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jack374 Posted June 28, 2018 Author Share Posted June 28, 2018 Well, now I’ve finished my A-level exams, I’ve got plenty of time (in theory!) The scenic section of the fiddle yard board is nearing completion, and as of today is at the same stage as the main board. The main spanning metalwork of the footbridge was created from various pieces of plasticard, with the steps being created from scratch from thicker plasticard, copying some elderly Triang steps my dad has. After the steel span was sprayed with a rattle can and installed, the brickwork was weathered with cheap black acrylic, painting all over then sanding off. Next steps will be to add strips of card to back the wall along the top, as this is beginning to warp. Also a backscene will be added, which I’ll photograph soon in the nice weather. Then it’s down to small details and weathering. More soon! Jack. 3 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jack374 Posted September 7, 2018 Author Share Posted September 7, 2018 I’m still here! Work progresses slowly on the layout, and with a move to Derby in the next week and the start of my apprenticeship with Rolls-Royce, I hope to have this finished soon! Progress has included painting the car park black and adding the white lines, with measurements taken from an official page online. A 12cm tall surround of hardboard has been glued on for the backscene (now printed and ready to fit), and today I’ve weathered the track with an airbrush, using Railmatch 'track dirt' and black. The next steps are to make it transportable (fashion some end boards from ply) ready to take to my model club on Monday ahead of (possibly) it’s first exhibition booking! The shed building is progressing slowly too, but we’re getting there! And lastly, a photo of my new toy, DRS 68003, posed on the layout. I’ve been detailing it and today I weathered it whilst the airbrush was out. Details on the detailing (!) can be found on my workbench thread... Huge thanks for staying with this project, it is much appreciated! Jack. 6 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Powerhaul 70 Pey Posted September 7, 2018 Share Posted September 7, 2018 Have you any more photos of 68003 now you have weathered it Jack as it looks good. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jack374 Posted September 7, 2018 Author Share Posted September 7, 2018 Have you any more photos of 68003 now you have weathered it Jack as it looks good. Just the ones I took today mate, they’re all posted here or on my workbench thread. I’ll take some more as I add more to it! Jack. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jack374 Posted December 22, 2018 Author Share Posted December 22, 2018 To all my friends on the forum who have stuck by this (very drawn-out) project, and everyone who has viewed, rated and commented on the thread during 2018; I'd like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and all the best for the New Year. I'll be taking the layout to Derby with me after Christmas, and I hope to have it finished early in the new year - if I crack on with it. The layout is booked for 2, possibly 3 public appearances next year so I'd better get on with it! More details nearer the time. All the very best for 2019! Jack. 3 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jack374 Posted February 25, 2019 Author Share Posted February 25, 2019 And we’re back. The lack of updates is due to me getting a job, moving 'down south' (only to Derbyshire!) for said job and therefore having to put the layout on hold whilst this settled. Thanks to an accommodating land lady, the layout now has a new home in the spare room of the house in which I live. This will allow work to be carried out in the next month, as the first 'exhibition' (a one-day charity do) in Chorley is scheduled in just under a month's time...I'd better get cracking! The first area to be dealt with is the general exhibition worthiness of the layout. To start, this weekend I knocked up a lighting frame from some timber, which is hinged and mounted so it will illuminate the layout on 2 sides. I’ll add some LED strip and wire it to an independent supply (via a potentiometer) in due course: Whilst I was getting supplies from a local independent DIY store at home, I saw they had some paint in stock in smaller tins, and one colour just had to be acquired for the majority of the layout.... (DRS blue = Oxford Blue if you wondered) Other 'structural' bits will include filling all screw heads and sanding prior to painting, as well as adding a curtain, more cassettes and some shelving to store a couple of cassettes, the pegs for which I turned last week at work from aluminium. Lots of other little jobs too; I’ll detail them all when I do them. On the scenic front, I've been beavering away at this shelter, based on the prototype fuelling shed at Gresty Bridge (Crewe): Once painted I’ll install it and a new fuelling point, both with lighting. Also the yard lights and other ancillary lights need adding and wiring. Many depot details need sourcing and adding to make it 'busy', along with weeds and vegetation, plus people! Lots to do in seemingly little time, but I WILL have it done in a month!! Thanks for sticking with this Jack. 5 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Departmental203 Posted February 28, 2019 Share Posted February 28, 2019 Good progress with the layout, Jack, things coming well nicely with this one. Good luck with your debut with this layout, being small, all should go well... Looks like I need to get cracking with my layout very soon Jules 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jack374 Posted March 22, 2019 Author Share Posted March 22, 2019 Just a quick post this afternoon before I set off back 'home' (Lancashire) with the layout and stock all packed and ready to go. For anyone interested and nearby, the venue is the Parish Church of Saint Peter, Harpers Ln, Chorley PR6 0HP. Doors open at 10 tomorrow and the exhibition finishes at 4. It’s only a single day event so will be a good test run for the layout. There are a couple of new features since the last update, which I’ll detail after the show along with some photos of course! I’m quite looking forward to it! Jack. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jack374 Posted April 1, 2019 Author Share Posted April 1, 2019 I'm glad to say the first show is over and done with! It took a huge effort to get the layout presentable and ready, not to mention the stock which needed sorting too. The layout ran really well, with no real issues at all. The trackwork needs adjusting as stock still derails occasionally, although this is down to the point construction and ridiculous radius; something which can't really be resolved. Anyway, some photos: The lean-to building needs painting and literally just leans against the wall, with a strip of plastic to support it. Fuel point details were added, but lots more detailing needs to take place before the next show, possibly in November. Some greenery has been added to fill gaps and add interest. The bridge backscene was printed on paper so will be replaced eventually. I also need to remedy the gaping backscene joint! A clear plastic panel has been added along with pegs (aluminium turned at work on a lathe) to store casettes, so punters can see into the fiddle yard area. More casettes need to be made (which work too), as I was using some which hadn't been wired up due to the lack of time! I'll create another post now with the rest of the photos (10MB limit on posts...) Thanks, Jack. 4 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jack374 Posted April 1, 2019 Author Share Posted April 1, 2019 Post No.2: The new yard lights have been painted and added, made from thin wall brass and lots of patience! In the dark they make a difference along with the fuel point lighting. The light gantry wasn't put up at the exhibition as there was good natural light from the windows. I tried to Photoshop and it didn't really work...... So there we have it. It won't take long to finish the layout fully, and as such it is available to exhibit. The next booked exhibition is Blackburn at the back end of this year. Many thanks to Leyland MRC for inviting me...it was good to catch up with the club members for a day, which I was thankfully able to do as there were no issues with the layout (kiss of death I know...). Once again, cheers for staying with this project. I'm glad it's done and I can now move on - after I've finished the few remaining bits on the layout. Happy modelling! Jack. 7 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jack374 Posted October 31, 2019 Author Share Posted October 31, 2019 A quick post to resurrect this thread and say that the layout will be appearing at next weekend's Blackburn & East Lancs MRS exhibition (9th/10th). Plenty of work to do in the meantime, which I’ll show at some point, maybe after the show. This includes extra details, finishing the shed, making more cassettes and crucially adding DCC Concepts' Alpha Box, which will allow more current to be drawn. If you can attend, come and say hi to me and Cal.N who will be my partner in crime for the weekend. Below is a shot of the most recent fleet addition, 57307 'Lady Penelope', posed on Mick Bryan's 'Deadman's Lane'... Thanks, Jack. 8 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Departmental203 Posted November 1, 2019 Share Posted November 1, 2019 (edited) Tell me when you can make it up north! (with the layout) Good work BTW Jack Jules Edited November 1, 2019 by Departmental203 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andrew P Posted November 1, 2019 Share Posted November 1, 2019 That looks superb Jack, so simple but so bright and effective, well done matey. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Barnaby Posted November 2, 2019 Share Posted November 2, 2019 Hello Jack only just found your Model which on a quick view seems full of ideas. I'll be having a deeper read after the rugby today as there are many useful ideas contained therein. In the mean time I've marked it down on my 1 to follow list. Well done Regards 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jack374 Posted November 8, 2019 Author Share Posted November 8, 2019 The layout is all ready to go at the Blackburn exhibition, and someone looks keen to play trains! Come and see me and Cal if you can, it’d be nice to put faces to RMweb names. More photos to follow during the weekend. Jack. 5 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
sb67 Posted November 9, 2019 Share Posted November 9, 2019 Good luck with the show Jack, shame it's a bit too far for me. Hopefully get to see some photo's. Steve 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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